We Need The Oceans

Mom was at the library the other day with the intention of picking up a few books that are on her GoodReads list. She reads really, really, slow so I don't know why she picks up more than one book at a time. When she came across this book, she grabbed it, sat down in a comfy chair, and started reading. She was so into it that she lost track of the time and totally forgot about me waiting for her at home.

Of course Mom had to go back to the beginning of the book when she got home. I wanted to hear all about the how the fate of mankind (and pugkind) and the ocean's are one. I knew it wouldn't be a pretty story but one that I had to hear. I love learning about all my little ocean buddies so that I can spread the word about conserving them and their habitats.

The introduction of the book asks "Why care that the world is blue?" Great question! I get asked similar questions all the time. I'll go off on one of my bandwagon issues and the next thing you know, someone will ask "Why should I care? How does (insert issue) affect me? What can I do to stop (insert issue) from happening?" I think you get the picture. This is what the author, Sylvia Earle, has to say in the introduction:

""Green" issues make headlines these days, but many seem unaware that without the "blue" there could be no green, no life on Earth and therefore none of the other things that humans value. Water - the blue - is the key to life."

Wow! Talk about a great way to start a book. Get right to the point. Hit them where it hurts. Deal with the issue head on.

Ms. Earle was dealt another question back in 1976 from an Australian reporter: "If the ocean dried up tomorrow, why should I care?" Yikes! The answer to this question is not that simple. It's not a one sentence answer nor does it deserve only one sentence. You have to delve deep into what the oceans do for us, the inhabitats of this planet. Oh, and you need to address what we have done to the oceans in the past and what we continue to do today.

Raise your hand if you think you know why we need the oceans. It's okay if you don't know why. It's not okay if you don't care. This book will explain the oceans to you like no other book can, but before diving into the oceans, Ms. Earle will tell you all about the wildlife that is taken from the oceans each year. The mammals, fish, and shellfish all have a chapter here. There's even a chapter about the garbage disposal. What garbage disposal? The one that millions of people use each day - the ocean itself.

You will learn how the oceans are really in trouble. This is not just heresy or speculation. This is the real deal. You will also learn about the opportunities to change things. Right some wrongs. Make better decisions. Be part of the solution.

Even if you've never heard of Sylvia Earle before, this book is for you. Her impressive resume is way too long to list on this post. She has accomplished (and to continues to) so much in her research as an oceanographer. She is committed to tackling the ever pressing issues she is faced with day in and day out. It's not pretty but someone has to do it.

I've been sitting on Mom's lap, fascinated by Ms. Earle's words. They're breathing life into the oceans I have never seen. Even if I never get to the ocean, I know I need the oceans because as Ms. Earle tells me:

"Even if you never have the chance to see or touch the ocean, the ocean touches you with every breath you take, every drop of water you drink, every bite you consume. Everyone, everywhere is inextricably connected to and utterly dependent upon the existence of the sea."

I will let you discover why we need the ocean, but trust me. We need it. We really do.